Finding the Way Back to Mayberry

Episode # 92, "A Wife for Andy"

Introduction:
Barney tries to push Andy into marriage by parading the bachelorettes of Mayberry in front of him.  When that seems to fail, Barney sets him up on a “blind date” with Opie’s teacher. 

Lesson Points:
Mistakes of Meddlesome Busybodies – Barney - 1 Timothy 5:13-15
            Gossip doesn’t benefit anyone – Proverbs 11:13, 18:6-8, and 26:18-20
            Busybodies stir up trouble although they may not realize it – Proverbs 16:27-29
            They should have better things to worry about – Proverbs 20:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:11-13

 Points About Patient People  – Andy – Romans 8:25, James 1:2-3, Titus 2:1-8
            Handle troubles properly – Luke 21:19, Romans 12:12, Proverbs 13:20 and 18:24
            Nothing worthwhile is easy –Romans 5:3-5 and 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:13
            Our time is not God’s time – Psalm 27:14, Colossians 1:9-14
            Trust in the Lord – Psalm 118:8, Hebrews 6:12 and 11:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:4, Philippians 4:13
            Steadily run the race set before us – Hebrews 12:1-3, James 1:4

“Secrets” of a Special Marriage – Genesis 2:18-24, Psalm 23, Galatians 5:16-26, 1 Corinthians 7
            Be devoted and committed to each other - Matthew 19:4-6, Romans 7:2-3, Malachi 2:4-16
            Be completely humble, gentle, and patient – 2 Peter 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:6-7
            Speak truthfully – Proverbs 12:22 and 12:18, Psalm 34:13
            Do not argue – Proverbs 10:19, 15:1, and 26:21, Colossians 3:18-19
            Help each other in difficult times – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 1 Peter 2:20-21
            Remember that God will provide – Matthew 11:28-30
            Seek God’s wisdom in all things – Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Timothy 2:15

Discussion:
1) Why was Barney so intent on getting Andy remarried, although he had never married?  Why did Thelma Lou get involved in Barney’s plan?  Was she really against it since she didn’t attend the two meetings?  What are some possible things that it might be acceptable for Barney to help Andy with?  How were the one dozen Mayberry single ladies affected by Barney’s meddling?  How did Helen react to the obvious pairing with Andy?  Why didn’t she answer Barney’s questions the way he obviously wanted her to? 

 2) How could Andy and Opie have benefited from Andy getting married again?  Why had he waited so long?  What were his expectations?  What were Helen’s?  Could the two possibly blend their respective expectations into a good marriage and happy family?  What would it take?  Even if they made a nice couple on the date, isn’t there much more to consider before jumping into a marriage/family?  Why didn’t Barney think of that?  What were Barney’s expectations of marriage?  Why did he assume that everyone felt the same way?  When Andy decided to court Miss Crump, why wasn’t Barney happy then?

 3) Why wasn’t Barney anxious to marry?  Was he being patient just like Andy’s example?  Are most people patient today in waiting for the right mate?  Why do so many marriages fail these days?  Was either of the two couples ready for marriage at this point?  Why or why not?  How do you think Andy was doing as a single parent?  Explain.  How were Andy’s and Helen’s lives enriched by waiting to marry?  How and why had Andy and Opie’s relationship blossomed?  Why is patience so hard for most of us?  What are the benefits of pursuing patience and perseverance?  What are the benefits of resisting meddlesome tendencies we may have?  Can you see how the above points may be helpful in other relationships and friendships?

Final Thoughts: 
Andy:  I ain’t found the woman I want to marry yet!  I ain’t puttin’ it off!  I miss bein’ married.  Sometimes I feel downright lonesome.  I miss goin’ home to a wife.  But then, you see, gettin’ married means you found the woman you want to settle down with, and I ain’t found her yet!  But when I do, you’ll be the first to know, OK?!